Linux Infrared Control Part 2: Send IR

Would you like to use a remote control to control your computer? How about using your computer to send remote control signals to your TV or Stereo instead of using the remote?

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Linux Infrared Control Part 1: Receive IR

Would you like to use a remote control to control your computer? How about using your computer to send remote control signals to your TV or Stereo instead of using the remote?

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Creating a SSH Tunnel in Java

How to create a SSH tunnel in a Java app from a localhost port through a jump box to a specific port on a server. Allowing a connection to the remote server port as if it was a localhost port.

Examples found online provided only one ‘hop’, not the double ‘hop’ needed. The code below supports 2 hops, but in theory could be used to support any number of hops.

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Using cec-client on a Raspberry Pi

Most modern HDMI connected devices support Consumer Electronics Control (CEC). It allows devices to send commands to each other, typically to get the TV to switch input and control volume. If you have ever turned on a Game Console and had your TV automatically change input to that device you have seen CEC in action. It is very convenient and useful, sort of a universal remote that works.

Every manufacturer seems to have it’s own branding of CEC (e.g. Samsung Anynet+, LG SimpLink, Sharp Aquos Link) but it may need to be enabled. Check your manual for details.

Using a Raspberry Pi connected to a TV that supports CEC, you can use the command line `cec-client` application to control the inputs and the TV itself. These are notes on how to use `cec-client` and understand the different options.

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Arduino Screen Controller for Raspberry Pi Part 3 Hardware Final

A few months ago I setup a web browser based dashboard running on a Raspberry Pi, displaying weather, time and transit information.  It worked out well, but it’s success revealed another problem.  Turning the screen on and off multiple times a day was getting old.

So I did what any technically inclined person would do.  I decided to create a device to turn the screen on and off by responding to dramatic changes in ambient light.  The device would also provide a manual power toggle and button to refresh the browser.

This is part 3 of 3 describing the final hardware that was built from the prototype.

Although intended to be used with a Raspberry Pi, the screen controller can be used to emulate a USB keyboard and send any desired keystrokes.

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Arduino Screen Controller for Raspberry Pi Part 2 Hardware Prototype

A few months ago I setup a web browser based dashboard running on a Raspberry Pi, displaying weather, time and transit information.  It worked out well, but it’s success revealed another problem.  Turning the screen on and off multiple times a day was getting old.

So I did what any technically inclined person would do.  I decided to create a device to turn the screen on and off by responding to dramatic changes in ambient light.  The device would also provide a manual power toggle and button to refresh the browser.

This is part 2 of 3, describing how to use an Arduino to build a USB keyboard emulator to call the hot keys.

Although intended to be used with a Raspberry Pi, the screen controller can be used to emulate a USB keyboard and send any desired keystrokes.

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Arduino Screen Controller for Raspberry Pi Part 1 Hot Keys

A few months ago I setup a web browser based dashboard running on a Raspberry Pi, displaying weather, time and transit information.  It worked out well, but it’s success revealed another problem.  Turning the screen on and off multiple times a day was getting old.

So I did what any technically inclined person would do.  I decided to create a device to turn the screen on and off by responding to dramatic changes in ambient light.  The device would also provide a manual power toggle and button to refresh the browser.

This is part 1 of 3, describing how to create a script to turn on and off the screen and hot keys to call this script.

Although intended to be used with a Raspberry Pi, the screen controller can be used to emulate a USB keyboard and send any desired keystrokes.

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Arduino Ethernet Temperature Probe

After building my Raspberry Pi dashboard, I decided to go for the geek double crown and use an Arduino to build an Ethernet attached thermometer.  Then I would know how cold it was outside my window, not at Pearson International Airport.

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